Space oddities: Mars Rover’s weird to mark 5 years on Red Planet
Photos from over the last five years show some of the space oddities it has spotted in its exploration of the Red Planet.
By Dean Murray
NASA's Perseverance Rover is celebrating five years on Mars this week.
Quirky photos show some of the space oddities it has spotted in its exploration of the Red Planet.
Puzzling finds range from rocks that look like turtles or sharks to a lightsaber.
But while the Star Wars weapon is actually a titanium tube dropped by the rover and containing a rock sample, other sights have left space fans guessing what they could be.
Notable sightings have seen Mars rocks that resemble a giant egg, a Harry Potter sorting hat shape and a Martian sombrero.
In March 2025, the Perseverance Science Team said they were "astonished by a strange rock" comprised of hundreds of millimetre-sized spheres – some with tiny pinholes.
In 2022, a Martian stone that had been hitching a ride on Perseverance's wheel finally fell off. NASA staff had dubbed it an "unexpected travelling companion".
While in 2024, it made a significant find: the "Cheyava Falls" rock that provides possible evidence of ancient life on Mars.
NASA's History Office posted on X: "Celebrating 5 years on Mars! NASA's Perseverance Rover safely landed on the surface of the Red Planet 5 years ago, ready to begin its search for signs of past life.
"In 2024, it made a significant find: the "Cheyava Falls" rock pictured here provides possible evidence of ancient life on Mars!"
Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by Talker Inc. For queries, please submit an inquiry via our contact form.
Horrific hit-and-run leaves man unable to remember his name
"Immediately after the collision, I couldn’t remember who I was or where I lived."
Mom’s kidney stones turn out to be terminal cancer
"Now our focus is making every second we have left as a family count."
Why grandparents are crucial in tackling child mental health crisis
“Children need grandparents, and they always have.”
Are you taking the wrong painkiller for period cramps?
A study found acetaminophen is more commonly used than ibuprofen to treat menstrual cramps, despite evidence showing ibuprofen works better.
Evidence of ‘siege warfare’ discovered in ‘cradle of civilization’
Collapsed structures, human remains, burned layers and concentrated debris suggest a "coordinated and possibly prolonged assault."
Health6 days agoBoy with rare blood disorder saved by 23 donors
Health5 days agoStudy finds vitamin C boosts brain health in older adults
Health4 hours agoChemicals in vapes trigger potentially deadly heart issue: study
Life5 days agoMetal detectorist digs up rare diamond ring worth $25,000
Talker Research4 days agoAmericans don’t know what’s in their tap water
Health5 days ago1 in 3 middle-aged adults struggle with basic health tasks
Sleep3 days agoMost Americans believe dreams and nightmares have hidden meanings
Mental Health4 hours agoWearing ‘cooling cap’ for 30 minutes can reduce depression symptoms
